Devi Bhagavata Purana : देवी भागवतपुराणम्

The Devi Bhagavata Maha Purana is one of the Puranas of Hinduism. It is written in Sanskrit and is widely attributed to Veda Vyasa. It is the principal Purana for Devi worshippers.

This text is a key scripture in the Shakta tradition, which venerates the Goddess as the supreme deity. The Devi Bhagavatam is renowned for its profound theological narratives, rich mythological stories, and its emphasis on the power and glory of the Goddess.

Overview of Devi Bhagavatam

  1. Authorship and Composition:
    • The Devi Bhagavatam is traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa, who is also credited with composing the Mahabharata and compiling the other Puranas.
    • It is believed to have been composed between the 6th and 12th centuries CE, although its exact dating is uncertain due to the oral tradition in which it was passed down.
  2. Structure:
    • The text is divided into twelve books (Skandhas), each containing numerous chapters (Adhyayas). There are 318 chapters in total.
    • The book presents the matter as a discussion between sage Suta and Shaunaka.
    • It includes a wide array of stories, hymns, prayers, and philosophical discourses centered around the Goddess.
  3. Content and Themes:
    • The Divine Feminine: The Devi Bhagavatam celebrates the Goddess in her various forms, such as Durga, Kali, Saraswati, and Lakshmi, emphasizing her role as the ultimate reality and supreme power.
    • Mythological Narratives: It recounts numerous myths and legends, including the creation of the universe, the battles between gods and demons, and the incarnations of the Goddess.
    • Devotional Practices: The text prescribes various rituals, prayers, and devotional practices (bhakti) aimed at worshiping and pleasing the Goddess.
    • Philosophical Insights: It explores philosophical themes such as the nature of the divine, the cosmos, and the relationship between the individual soul (atman) and the supreme soul (Brahman).

Key Sections and Themes

  1. Creation and Cosmology:
    • The Devi Bhagavatam describes the creation of the universe by the Goddess, portraying her as the source of all existence.
    • It presents a cosmology where the Goddess manifests as both the material and efficient cause of the cosmos.
  2. The Goddess’s Battles:
    • One of the central themes is the battles fought by the Goddess against various demons (asuras), symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
    • The story of the slaying of the buffalo demon Mahishasura by Durga is particularly significant and widely celebrated during the festival of Navaratri.
  3. Incarnations and Manifestations:
    • The text details the various incarnations and manifestations of the Goddess, including her appearances as Sati, Parvati, and the ten Mahavidyas.
    • Each form and incarnation serves a specific purpose, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the divine feminine.
  4. Devotional Practices and Hymns:
    • The Devi Bhagavatam includes numerous hymns (stotras) and prayers dedicated to the Goddess, highlighting the importance of devotion and reverence.
    • It also describes various rituals, fasts, and festivals dedicated to the worship of the Goddess, emphasizing the role of bhakti (devotional worship) in spiritual practice.
  5. Philosophical Discourses:
    • The text delves into philosophical discussions on the nature of the Goddess, the process of creation and dissolution, and the ultimate goal of liberation (moksha).
    • It integrates elements of Vedanta, Samkhya, and Tantra, presenting a comprehensive theological framework centered around the Divine Mother.

Significance and Influence

  1. Shakta Tradition:
    • The Devi Bhagavatam is a foundational text of the Shakta tradition, which regards the Goddess as the supreme deity and source of all power.
    • It has played a crucial role in shaping the theology, rituals, and practices of Shaktism, influencing countless devotees and spiritual practitioners.
  2. Cultural and Religious Impact:
    • The text has significantly impacted Hindu culture, inspiring various forms of art, literature, music, and dance centered around the worship of the Goddess.
    • Festivals such as Navaratri and Durga Puja, which celebrate the power and grace of the Goddess, draw heavily from the narratives and teachings of the Devi Bhagavatam.
  3. Philosophical and Theological Contributions:
    • The Devi Bhagavatam offers a unique perspective on the nature of the divine, presenting the Goddess as both immanent and transcendent.
    • Its synthesis of various philosophical traditions provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the relationship between the individual, the universe, and the divine.
  4. Devotional Literature:
    • The hymns, prayers, and stories of the Devi Bhagavatam have become an integral part of Hindu devotional literature, recited and revered by millions of devotees.
    • Its emphasis on the power of devotion and the protective and nurturing aspects of the Goddess resonates deeply with the spiritual aspirations of its followers.

Conclusion

The Devi Bhagavatam stands as a monumental work in the Hindu religious and philosophical landscape, offering profound insights into the nature of the divine feminine. Through its rich narratives, devotional hymns, and philosophical discourses, it celebrates the power, grace, and wisdom of the Goddess, inspiring devotion and reverence among its readers. As a foundational text of the Shakta tradition, it continues to guide and uplift the spiritual journeys of countless devotees, affirming the timeless and universal appeal of the Divine Mother.

Hindi Translations

There are three major Hindi translations of Devi Bhagavata Purana available in pdf format.

  1. The major translation comes from Gitapress in two volumes.
  2. Shrimad Devi Bhagavatam Translated by Shiva Prasad Dwivedi – Chowkhamba
  3. Devi Bhagavat Translated by Shri Ram Sharma Acharya. This comes in two volumes, however the second volume is not available in the pdf format.

Devi Bhagavata Purana | देवी भागवतपुराणम्

लेखक :Veda Vyasa | वेदव्यासः
Book Languageहिंदी | Hindi
पुस्तक का साइज़ :
  1. Shrimad Devi Bhagavatam – Gitapress – Vol 1 (47 MB), VOl 2 (47 MB)
  2. Shrimad Devi Bhagavatam Translated by Shiva Prasad Dwivedi – Chowkhamba (1.92 GB)
  3. Devi Bhagavat Translated by Shri Ram Sharma Acharya. Vol 1 (350 MB), Vol 2 (MISSING)
कुल पृष्ठ :
  1. Shrimad Devi Bhagavatam – Gitapress – Vol 1 (889 pages), VOl 2 (873 pages)
  2. Shrimad Devi Bhagavatam Translated by Shiva Prasad Dwivedi – Chowkhamba (1772 pages)
  3. Devi Bhagavat Translated by Shri Ram Sharma Acharya. Vol 1 (516 pages), Vol 2 (MISSING)
श्रेणी :धार्मिक / Religious, साहित्य / Literature, हिंदू – Hinduism

Devi Bhagavata, Gitapress

                   Vol 1              

                    Vol 2           

ShriMad Devi Bhagavatam By Shiva prasad Dwivedi 2010 Benaras – Chaukhamba

                   1.92 GB              

Devi Bhagavata, Shri Ram Sharma Acharya

                   Vol 1 – 350 MB             

 

Apart from this, Shri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand gave a series of nine discourses on Devi Bhagavatam. It is available in pdf format:

Srimad Devi Bhagavat Amrutam of Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand

                   84 MB              

 

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Author: Veda Vyasa
About the author:

Veda Vyasa, also known as Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, is one of the most revered sages in Hindu tradition and is traditionally credited with composing and compiling a vast body of Vedic and epic literature. He is considered the author of the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and the Brahma Sutras, and is also recognized for his role in categorizing the Vedas. Vyasa is a central figure in Indian literary and spiritual history, and his works form the foundation of Hindu philosophy and religious practice.

Life and Background

Birth and Early Life:

  • Veda Vyasa was born to sage Parashara and Satyavati. His birth is surrounded by miraculous and divine events, as Parashara was a great sage, and Satyavati was the daughter of a fisherman who later became a queen. Vyasa is also known as Krishna Dvaipayana because of his dark complexion and because he was born on an island (dvip) in the river Yamuna.

Names and Titles:

  • Vyasa means “compiler” or “arranger,” reflecting his work in organizing the Vedas and other scriptures. He is also referred to as Badarayana, which is derived from his association with the Badari ashram.

Major Contributions

The Vedas:

  • Vyasa is traditionally credited with categorizing the Vedas into four parts: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. He organized the Vedas to preserve the vast oral traditions and make them more accessible.

Mahabharata:

  • The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of ancient India, is attributed to Vyasa. It is an extensive narrative that includes the story of the Kurukshetra War, the Bhagavad Gita, and numerous philosophical and devotional teachings. The Mahabharata is a cornerstone of Hindu literature and spirituality.

Puranas:

  • Vyasa is also credited with composing the eighteen major Puranas, which are comprehensive texts covering mythology, cosmology, genealogy, and religious practices. These texts include the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, and many others, each dedicated to different aspects of the divine and various deities.

Brahma Sutras:

  • The Brahma Sutras, also known as the Vedanta Sutras, are attributed to Vyasa. These aphoristic texts systematize the teachings of the Upanishads and form the foundation of Vedanta philosophy.

Key Themes in Vyasa’s Works

Dharma:

  • A central theme in Vyasa’s works is the concept of dharma, or righteous duty. The Mahabharata, in particular, explores the complexities of dharma through the actions and decisions of its characters, emphasizing the importance of moral and ethical living.

Bhakti:

  • Devotion (bhakti) is a significant aspect of the Puranas, especially the Bhagavata Purana, which focuses on the life and teachings of Krishna. Vyasa’s works highlight the path of devotion as a means to attain spiritual liberation.

Philosophy and Metaphysics:

  • The Brahma Sutras and the philosophical discourses in the Mahabharata and Puranas delve into profound metaphysical questions about the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate principle (Brahman). These texts offer insights into the nature of existence and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

Influence and Legacy

Cultural Impact:

  • Vyasa’s contributions have profoundly influenced Indian culture, religion, and philosophy. His works are integral to Hindu rituals, festivals, and daily practices. The Mahabharata and the Puranas have inspired countless works of art, literature, theater, and dance.

Spiritual Guidance:

  • Vyasa’s texts continue to be a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration for millions of Hindus. The Bhagavad Gita, a part of the Mahabharata, is particularly revered for its teachings on duty, devotion, and the nature of reality.

Scholarly Significance:

  • The works attributed to Vyasa are studied extensively by scholars of religion, philosophy, and literature. His systematic organization of the Vedas and his authorship of key philosophical texts have made him a central figure in the academic study of Hinduism.

Global Influence:

  • Vyasa’s teachings and narratives have transcended cultural boundaries, influencing spiritual seekers and scholars worldwide. The Bhagavad Gita, in particular, has been translated into numerous languages and is studied globally for its universal philosophical and spiritual insights.

Conclusion

Veda Vyasa’s contributions to Hindu literature and philosophy are unparalleled. As the author of the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and the Brahma Sutras, and as the compiler of the Vedas, Vyasa has left an indelible mark on the spiritual and intellectual heritage of India. His works continue to inspire and guide people across the world, reflecting the timeless wisdom and profound insights of Hindu philosophy and spirituality.